Key Takeaways:
- The new Metro Tunnel stations in Melbourne feature impressive architecture and design, with high ceilings, wide platforms, and clear signage.
- The stations have accessible toilets, parents’ rooms, and adult changing place facilities, as well as Travellers Aid hubs to assist passengers.
- The stations have platform screen doors, which improve safety and comfort, and display passenger loads in each carriage on the next arriving train.
- The public artworks included at the new stations are a highlight, with works by Patricia Piccinini and Danie Mellor being particularly notable.
- However, the stations have some drawbacks, including a lack of distinct design between Town Hall and State Library stations, and an overabundance of advertising.
- The use of retail space is uninspired, with fast food chains dominating the options, and the absence of secure bicycle parking is a significant oversight.
- The myki ticket system has some glitches, including treating the connected CBD stations as separate stations, and the soft launch timetable may cause confusion for some passengers.
Introduction to the Metro Tunnel Stations
The new Metro Tunnel stations in Melbourne are a significant improvement over the city’s existing train infrastructure. With their high ceilings, wide platforms, and clear signage, the stations are a world away from the grubby City Loop counterparts. The architecture and design of the stations are particularly noteworthy, with the Arden station entrance featuring massive concrete arches lined with over 100,000 hand-laid bricks, reflecting North Melbourne’s rich industrial history. The use of raw cement and Art Deco-inspired lighting and fixtures also reflects the city above it, making the stations feel undeniably Melbourne.
Design and Architecture
The design of the stations is a major highlight, with the coupling of raw cement and Art Deco-inspired lighting and fixtures creating a unique and Melbourne-esque feel. The signage is clear, and the connections between CBD interchange stations are intuitive to follow. The use of escalators, including a wall of five at the State Library entrance, helps to avoid passenger congestion and provide redundancy during breakdowns. However, the lack of distinct design between Town Hall and State Library stations is a missed opportunity to explore different design ideas and make life easier for commuters. The platforms at Town Hall and State Library look nearly identical, and the absence of signage on every cement column on the platform can make it difficult to determine which station you are arriving at.
Public Art and Amenities
The public artworks included at the new stations are a highlight, with works by Patricia Piccinini and Danie Mellor being particularly notable. The artwork at State Library station, consisting of photographic portraits of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung women printed on huge glass panels, is a beautiful addition to the city. The stations also have accessible toilets, parents’ rooms, and adult changing place facilities, as well as Travellers Aid hubs to assist passengers. However, the use of retail space is uninspired, with fast food chains dominating the options, and the absence of secure bicycle parking is a significant oversight.
Technology and Innovation
The platform screen doors at each of the five stations are a big step up for passenger comfort, improving safety and reducing noise. The displays showing passenger loads in each carriage on the next arriving train are also a useful feature, allowing passengers to board at a door with the most room. However, the myki ticket system has some glitches, including treating the connected CBD stations as separate stations, which can cause confusion for passengers. The system is also not yet set up to allow passengers to use the underpasses without touching on, although Transport Victoria is working to change this.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the many improvements, the new Metro Tunnel stations are not without their challenges. The soft launch timetable, which sees trains running only every 20 minutes between 10am and 3pm on weekdays, may cause confusion for some passengers. The lack of a clear name for the line, with trains operating on the newly connected Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines, can also be confusing for passengers. However, the Metro Tunnel has the potential to change how Melburnians conceive the city and their place in it, making it possible to travel directly from the outer north-west to the outer south-east. Over time, this will make Melbourne a smaller, more connected place, with people more willing and able to cross the city for work, study, or leisure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new Metro Tunnel stations in Melbourne are a significant improvement over the city’s existing train infrastructure. While there are some drawbacks, including a lack of distinct design between Town Hall and State Library stations, and an overabundance of advertising, the stations are a major step forward for the city. The public artworks, accessible amenities, and innovative technology all contribute to a positive passenger experience. As the city continues to grow and develop, the Metro Tunnel will play a critical role in shaping the way Melburnians live, work, and travel. With some tweaks to address the existing challenges, the Metro Tunnel has the potential to become a world-class transportation system, connecting the city and its people like never before.
